The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is an SLR-style mid-range mirrorless camera. It features 4K video capture, 2nd-generation 5-axis image stabilization and a 16MP Four Thirds sensor with no optical low pass filter. It is also sold as the Panasonic G80, G81 and G8, depending on the market.

Though Panasonic has not come outright and said it, the G85 is the successor to the G7. More a refinement than something new entirely, both cameras share seemingly identical bodies and offer twin control dials, plenty of customizable buttons and fully articulating touch interfaces.

But the G85 is rather more grand: it's weather-sealed with a magnesium alloy front plate, and offers a new electromagnetic shutter to combat shutter shock, an upgraded electronic viewfinder and 5-axis in-camera IS.

Like the Panasonic GX85, the G85 uses a 16MP chip with no anti-aliasing filter. We found image quality from the GX85 to be slightly improved over that of past Panasonic cameras using the same 16MP chip with AA filters (like the G7).

The G85 also uses the same redesigned shutter mechanism as the GX85, which we found to effectively mitigate shutter shock, an issue that affected the Panasonic G7.

Compared to its peers

Panasonic G85

Panasonic G7

Panasonic GX85

Sony a6300

Olympus EM-5 II

MSRP

$900 (body)

$800 (with kit lens)

$800 (with kit lens)

$1000 (body)

$1100 (body)

Sensor (resolution/size)

16MP Four Thirds

16MP Four Thirds

16MP Four Thirds

24MP APS-C

16MP Four Thirds

AA filter

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Stabilization

Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual IS 2

In-lens only

Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual I.S.

In-lens only

Sensor-shift (5-axis)

EVF res/mag.

2.36M-dot OLED (0.74x)

2.36M-dot OLED (0.7x)

2.76M-dot field sequential LCD (0.7x)

2.36M-dot OLED (0.7x)

2.36M-dot LCD (0.74x)

Autofocus

Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD

Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD

Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD

Hybrid AF w/425 PDAF points

Contrast Detect w/ 81-points

Burst w/ continuous AF

6 fps

6 fps

6 fps

11 fps

5 fps

LCD size, type

3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating

3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating

3-inch 1.04M-dot tilting

3-inch921k-dot tilting

3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating

Touchscreen

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Mic/Headphone port

Yes/No

Yes/No

No/No

Yes/No

Yes/No

Max movie resolution

4K/30p

4K/30p

4K/30p

4K/30p

1080/60p

Weather-sealing

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Flash sync speed

1/160 sec

1/160 sec

1/160 sec

1/160 sec

1/250 sec

Battery life

320 shots

350 shots

290 shots

400 shots

310 shots

Weight

453 g

410 g

426 g

404 g

469 g

Dimensions

128 x 89 x 74 mm

125 x 86 x 77mm

122 x 71 x 44 mm

120 x 67 x 49 mm

124 x 85 x 45mm

While the three Panasonic cameras compared above share quite a lot, the G85 stands out against the other 16MP Panasonic's as the most appealing choice. This is due to its inclusion of weather-sealing, an updated Dual IS system and upgraded electronic viewfinder.

When compared to similar mirrorless offerings from Sony and Olympus, things get a bit more complicated. The Sony beats it in terms of its more sophisticated AF system, larger sensor and faster burst (w/ AF), but the G85 offers superior ergonomics (fully articulating touchscreen, dual top-plate control dials, higher magnification EVF). The G85 and EM-5 II also share quite a lot, the major distinction between the two being the G85's 4K video capability (compared to 1080p on the Olympus).

The whole Panasonic gang, including the Panasonic G85, GX85, G7 and 20MP GX8.

Pricing and availability

The Panasonic G85 will be available in the US for $899 body only and $999 with 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. kit lens.

Accessories

The optional DMW-BGG1 vertical battery grip adds an additional shutter release and improved ergonomics, as well as room for a second battery, effectively doubling shooting time.

Well, first of all excuse my english, because I come from the non english speaking country....I am looking for some advice. For several months I am trying to decide which camera I should buy. Sony A77II or Panasonic G80? At present I use Sony A65 or Panasonic G2. I should add, that I am not much interested with video. I will be grateful for any advice...

So I've owned (for work) two A7iis, two a6300s, a bunch of fuji bodies, several g7s, and one g85. In my opinion the Sony systems offer the best image quality and customization by a good margin, but they are a pain to use and editing is necessary in video and photo. The Fuji cameras are incredible for stills and consistently take the sharpest and prettiest photos right out of camera which saves alot of time for product photography. I recently moved from the A6300s to the G7s + G85 for video, but I can't sell my Fuji equipment for stills because it is leaps and bounds above the G85 for image quality in photos. I'm shooting with the 12-60 and the 12-35 f2.8 on the G85 but it is disappointing for still images. It is a fantastic camera in usability and I love the video output (which is why I am keeping it). So at the end of the day, I recommend you take a look at Fuji if you are only interested in stills, but if it comes down between Sony and Panasonic...go Sony. I hope this helps!

@User4729623552Thanks for your post. I've been interested in the G85, as on paper it looks like the perfect camera for decent video and stills in one package (at this price point). But your comments on its stills capability has made me take a second look - the Studio Scene Comparison Tool shows the Fuji X-T20 has about 2 stops better ISO performance!

The G85 does seem better optimised for video - particularly with IBIS stabilising all lenses. How effective do you find stabilisation with Fuji's lenses?

FWIW I think the difference in IQ between these bodies is overblown. To all intents and purposes they are the same up to ISO 1600 unless you are an inveterate pixel peeper. Also, don't be fooled by Fuji's ISO ratings, they understate them by roughly 1 stop. Also, unless you want to photograph moving subjects in the dark the G85 IBIS gives 4-5 stops of stabilisation. In reality you rarely need to move from ISO 200 with the G85, therefore giving it a potentially better image quality than the X-T2.

So, within this price range and with the baby on the way hence the need to buy a good camera for priceless PHOTOs! I too have narrowed down my choice to X-t20 and G85! already crossed off sony a6300 and Olympus but My heart and mind can't really decide between the Fuji or Panasonic, so, would really, really, really appreciate ANY HELP on coming to a conclusion which way to go!

X-T20 is a no brainer if you are looking for a stills camera (and just take short video clips). It absolutely destroys my G85 with the 12-35 2.8. My Fuji X-A1 with the 27mm f.8 annhilates my G85...and I paid $120 for it on eBay.

I love my g85 for video...I sold my a6300s for a G7 + G85 setup, but the image quality can't touch my Fujis. I wish it could...I only want to own one system but I need video and stills for work. I returned my XT2 though because it didn't match the color output of my XT1. Completely different look...still technically good, but not the same colors as my XE1, XA1, and XT1.

Preferrably use RAW + JPEG, turn the NR down.Then do NR and sharpen in post!Compared to my E-M1(mk1 /mk 2) it takes a bit more work to get the ultimate out of the files (already had GM5 so I have some experience with the Pana's).The last time I had a G series Panasonic before that was with G2 and between it and the G80 there's a world of difference.Olympus still have the edge on JPEG's but the gap is closing.

4. Miscellaneous- Will the Lumix G85 5-axis IBIS work well with all Olympus MFT -lenses (still and video)?- Will autofocus also work with all Olympus MFT -lenses (still and video)?- How do i find the shutter count info, is it in the normal menu (If buy used camera)?

1. Solved with FW 1.22. Oly better still3. Don't use internal mic/ so no idea.4. a. Oly lenses work well with IBIS on the Pana but no DUAL IS available so I'd say a little better to Single IS with E-M5mk1 maybe almost same as E-M1mk1. But it's difficult to asses. 4. b. AF is very fast with Oly lenses only no DFD so for CAF there's a difference.The Oly Pro lenses are sublime on Pana as well.4. c. Haven't dug into this, so can't answer on it yet.

Had my G80 for a few days now. Using the mic port doesn't stop the screen being tilted. It stops the tilt occurring in that position, but one can easily pull the screen forward very slightly to adjust tilt then move it forward again.

And on this review, and many others recently, complaining about over aggressive noise reduction in the Cons seems overly picky when most of these cameras offer the ability to alter the noise reduction settings. In many ways reviews seem to complain about default settings of various kinds - despite them only being a default and not mandatory.

I would love to try out this little camera when I have the funding, I wished it is less video-centric, or it would be a waste on my hand ! and I still don't understand why almost all new camera must comes with 4K video, if I were a videographer I would go for something more like a real video camera, such as the Canon XC-10, it handles much better for video shooting than any other capable still cameras and it takes still as well.

4k is for 4k screens are starting to be more popular and widespread. Many photographer hobbyists like to take occasional 'better then smartphone' video here and there with they cameras so there is no need to carry two devices with most of recent mirrorless cameras like G85 which, helped by Panasoonic's efficient DUAL IS, allows you to leave the tripod at home for stationary shots. Here I took the occasional one in 1080 60p with GX85 and DUAL IS turned on (14-42 MK II HD) which demonstrates nicely how fluid the system is, apart from my zooming action :D

And then there is another hobbyists branch experimenting with relatively still cheap and widely available, vintage and easily adaptable lenses. And then you have keen indie film and document makers, vblogers and the list goes on I guess :)

Why has 4k been embraced so enthusiastically, when it presents a lot of logistical headaches?Apart from the whole upgrade mentality of having to have the latest and best, I have a theory that it's to do with the multimedia integration thing.Stills photographers are now being asked/wanting to shoot video as well as stills, often presented side by side on big displays. Stills photographers are accustomed to high image quality - sharp images.When a stills photographer sees mushy 'home-video', shot on 1080 so-called HD or lesser, the stills guy always sees a disappointing downgrade in image quality from what s/he is used to seeing in stills.Video enthusiasts don't seem to be so offended by that lower IQ, and in fact often defend it. But everyone's a videographer these days, and many of us want our video as sharp as our stills.Just an idea, based on the fact that I've only come to like video since 4k - it does justice to the world the way high resolution stills can.

I doubt that, I have both camera's , yesterday took a picture of a group of people in semi dark circumstances in RAW with both camera's, one with the new 12-60 lens and the GM1 with 20mm f1.7. I noticed I could extract more detail out of the G80 than from the Gm1 in Lightroom.

Panasonic JPEGS are meh compared to XT10? I doubt that. I find they are better in standard profile compared to my X100T. Camerastore TV also proved that Panasonic jpegs can be more desirable. I would never imagine that I'd say this but Panasonic can produce very pleasing sooc jpegs. Also the technology put into tiny Panasonic G&GX bodies are probably couple of years ahead of Fuji.

Good news, I received the following official statement from Panasonic on the G85's panning issue:

“Less than a week ago, Panasonic became aware of some reports that the G85's image stabilization wasn't delivering the same level of smooth performance that the GX85 is while slow panning in video mode. Panasonic is working to solve the issue with a firmware update as soon as we can. Panasonic appreciates all the valuable feedback and always focuses on meeting or exceeding our customers' expectations.”

Any of you noticed problem with an external microphone? The camera seems to be recording the sound only aft 100 or 200ms into filming. Super strange. Here is an image of what I mean: http://imgur.com/kaoHzNsThanks!

"Less than a week ago, Panasonic became aware of some reports that the G85's image stabilization wasn't delivering the same level of smooth performance that the GX85 is while slow panning in video mode. Panasonic is working to solve the issue with a firmware update as soon as we can. Panasonic appreciates all the valuable feedback and always focuses on meeting or exceeding our customers' expectations."

Very good to see something official and based on @LumixUSA has been telling me on Twitter I am confident they'll get this issue resolved.

We bought G80 (Firmware 1.0) in UK paired with 12-60mm (Firmware 1.1). IBIS is not smooth in video - it sticks and jumps. Similar to this:- https://youtu.be/y3eqvClYV-o?t=3m2s The footage is unusable and the camera cannot be used handheld as we intended. Anyone else experienced this or is ours faulty? Nothing back from Panasonic as yet.

It's a known issue and DPR along with others have brought this to Panasonic's attention. Hopefully we'll see a firmware fix soon enough :) You can apparently mitigate the problem by using the e-stabilization setting only for video recording.

I've only had the sticking issue at extreme telephoto (350mm equivalent) or on a tripod doing pans. I've been getting a lot of nice handheld footage though with the kit lens. Are you getting that bad sticking even with wide angle shots?

Thanks RussellG and FirworksYT. I see that it has been reported here this afternoon on DPReview that PanasonicUS have acknowledged the issue. I did try the e-stabilisation which helps but you lose quality and I shouldn't have to do this. The GX80/85 is silky smooth, the G80/85 is hopeless. We are currently filming Jo Brand's "The More You Ignore Me" with Sheridan Smith. This camera was bought specifically to record and document behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. As this was my decision to opt for this camera, I expected it to do the things Panasonic said it could do. DPReview gave it 84% and every other review I read said it was great. Not a single review said there was a problem with the stabilisation. Thanks for your replies which are both helpful and completely accurate but they are workarounds. I need a solution and quick.

Did Panasonic improved AF tracking on the G85? Are the AF systems the same? I noticed that the AF Video system on the GX85 had a hard time tracking moving subject. This is Dual IS 2.0 versus Dual IS 1.0 on the GX85 right? I can't wait for Black Friday sales I hope they put these two cameras for sale. :)

Hi, I'm a novice shooter that's looking to get better at this and was planning on upgrading from an EOS Rebel T3. I want a camera that should still be a solid shooter 2-3 years down without spending much over $1K. Would you recommend this or the A6300? Types of shots I'm interesting in are landscape/outdoor, family events, maybe portraits every now and again.

A quick update on the issue surrounding 'jerkiness' or 'stickiness' when panning during video capture with IBIS engage: Panasonic engineers are aware of the issue. I've been in touch with Panasonic USA and they've conveyed your/our concerns to the factory. I'll update when I hear anything more.

In the mean time, you can use E-stablization (with IBIS switched off) for panned shots, without having to worry about any 'stickiness.' Just note that there is a slight crop factor (you can see an example of it on the Video & Features page of the review).

That's great to hear! Thanks for the updates and please do keep them coming. The Panasonic site itself is a bit of a mess for gathering useful information when compared to the DRP site. I'm fine with using this as a "watch thread" for the issue.

Dan,What is your view on another issue that has come up...that the G85 IBIS system makes noise on videos shot using the in-camera mic (even if IBIS is disabled). Is this something to be expected with IBIS systems?

Dan, thanks for this review, but this sentence in the opening paragraph is a bit confusing: "A sister model, the G80 will be available in other markets." You don't state before that in which markets the G85 will be available and I don't think the review states what the differences are between the G80 and G85.

Dan, in your comments on the jerky movements with video stabilization, you said, "We observed this issue when using both a Dual I.S. 2 capable lens (the 12-60 F3.5-5.6 kit) as well as a third-party lens (Olympus 17mm F1.8), but not when using E-stabilization." Do you mean that it is not an issue when using E-stabilization *only*, or when using it in combination with the body and lens stabilization? From the G85 manual (ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/camera/om/dmc-g85_en_adv_om.pdf), it's not clear to me that the E-Stabilization is ever active on its own. If the E-Stabilization plus the body and lens stabilizers (what Panasonic calls the "5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer") does not exhibit the problem, that might be a useful workaround until the issue is fixed.

I own a GX80, I just love this camera. I think with touch screen and great menu system and all the advanced features this is easily one of the best cameras in the market. To my surprise Panasonic's JPEGs in standard profile are much more pleasing, colorful with better AWB than my X100T's JPEGs especially for landscapes. Due to same resolution sensor detailis are same if not better in some cases.

Hi all,I wanted to purchase the Olympus EM1 just recently, but here in Australia stocks run out and will not be replaced.The new EM1 mark2 is for me far too advanced and expensive, leaving only the Panasonic G 85/80. I think there is no other Micro Four Thirds camera that advanced at the moment. Sadly Panasonic in their wisdom left the wireless flash possibility out and one has to purchase an extra external command flash separately. The smallest DMW FL 200 costs here over $200.As I have already the glass, other systems don't apply for me. I am seriously considering the 85 body including the 14-140. Hopefully Panasonic Australia will offer a generous incentive like in the UK.Cheers

Hi all,I have since learned that the Panasonic G85 has indeed wireless flash--as long as the external flash is compatible. See diagram on page 161 in the instruction manual. There are plenty of options besides the rather expensive Panasonic flashes from other manufacturers like Metz for instance.Cheers

I think you'll find that the Olympus OM-D EM-5 mk II will do what you need for flash, but won't swear. Also it does have slightly cumbersome built in WiFi, but there are accessory WiFi SD cards that I find work well.

All those multi-names are so a sales person or distributor can instantly know where you bought the camera in his region and so tell you that it is/isn't under warranty. Always thought a bit nasty. Nikon enforces regional warranties mor strictly than any other company is know. Discourages gray market, and makes life tough on travelers who may have found just exactly their desirederatum, but while you're away from home.

Got my G85 today! Arrived safely despite UPS and Amazon's best efforts. Stabilizer is amazing coming from a G7 and I cannot believe how quiet the shutter is. It feels so comfortable and I'm "right at home" shooting with it from the G7, but everything feels just a little bit better.

It's in the third section of Tips and Tricks, and uses Panasonic's little-discussed Flicker Decrease function, which essentially locks your shutter speed to a video-friendly setting. I have to say, it works great--especially after saving the settings to my C3 memory. With shutter set to 1/50, aperture on manual, and maximum ISO at 1600, I can shoot run-and-gun with very impressive results.

This misunderstanding seems to be the result of poor grammar! They mean it DOES support wireless flash control when used to fire and control suitable external flashguns - such as the DMW-FL200L, FL360L, etc.

Hi all,thank you for clearing this Wireless question for me. On looking in the Instruction Manual Page 161 it states indeed that it has wireless flash with suitable units.It makes my day, I already thought my macro-flash would be useless. (I checked and the Metz 26AF digital and Metz15MS digital are apparently suitable)Cheers

Actually the af is pretty good. Comparable to lower end dslr's. The video is very good, it has a top notch evf, and offers ibis with 4k video and no overheating (with no time limit on the american model). The battery life isn't subpar either. In mirrorless the battery life this gets is a bit better than average actually.

tecnoworld, in order to expect people to respect your comment, you need to be honest too. You specifically miss out the key selling point for G85 which has superb 4k video, IBIS (also works with 4k video), touch screen and in a weather sealed lens package for $999.

I know, right? Since the GX85 measures up almost exactly equal, in every meaningful metric, to say everything from a Canon EOS 50D to a Nikon D300, how could ANYONE have POSSIBLY made good pictures with *those* cameras??! They're such JUNK that nobody could have made a good picture at all, ever!

...and that's what you get for spouting off such inane, ridiculous and unknowledgeable drivel.

Jittering is an issue with all panasonic cameras from this range. I hope they fix it with the gh5. when shooting at 25p you may try to lower the shutter to 1/40. this will give you more motion blur and will disguise a bit the jittering.

I have never had any jittering in my panasonic shot video. The guy is either shooting at too high of a SS or he is having an issue with the ibis that some other people have had. 24/25p video can look jittery also when played on a monitor that doesn't support native 24p or 25p playback.

I don't see Pen-F potential buyers considering the G85. Two good cameras but they are so different especially when it comes to design. I do think that some considering the E-M1 II will consider the G85 though especially if they want some up to date features but aren't going to push the limits of the autofocus system.

I was at a presentation Friday with Lumix Luminary Mark Toal and a Panasonic rep (Peter ..) and was told that many of the current lenses can be upgraded to work with the Dual IS system now. I purchased the G85 Saturday morning and upgraded my 12-35 and 35-100 later that day. When using the lenses, the camera indicates that it is in Dual IS mode. The upgrade website is http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/

I think Panasonic is literally the only ILC maker that still refuses to enable EC with auto ISO in Manual (and they only started enabling auto ISO in Manual on models from about a year and a half ago to today), never mind a more refined auto ISO implementation. It's like they're completely oblivious to requests for this or just have a bizarre policy against it.

The G85 and GX85 are still some of the best mirrorless ILC bodies for the money out there, and probably the ones I'd recommend as well, but I think the way Oly does certain things is starting to grow on me despite their more confusing UI... If only they'd put out a body w/OSPDAF that doesn't sit at the TOtL, that's really holding them back and propping Panasonic IMO.

Whilst I realise that someone paying £2000 for this kit is unlikely to stick with the kit lens, I would have liked some comment about the 12-60mm supplied as the kit lens. So far I have not been able to find a sensible review of this lens other than a damning initial report shortly after release. Yes there are a few images in the review gallery but there is too much noise in the ISO 1000 Passion Flower shots to make any assessment of lens sharpness meaningful.

I just got this camera and i'm very annoyed by this "fan noise", like a persistent humming coming from the camera (the lens I put is a Nikon Ais)...Panasonic customer service were unable to help nor even understand the problem or what i was saying. When I asked if there was a firmware update that can solve the problem, the person at the other end of the line had to keep me waiting in order to go and ask about it.And, yes, the sound is audible on the recorded videos :(

Got this reply from Pana:..............In regards to your query, I would like to advise that this is not a fault of the unit, the sound comes from the gyro of the stabilisation system and because the inbuilt microphone on the camera is very close this is why the camera captures the sound on the video.

My advise your be to adjust the [Mic level adj] in the Motion picture menu to a lower value the sound should not be captured by the recording anymore................

the Auto Focus of this camera is really bad. Is not acceptable for video... when you compare it to cameras like the NX1, or the A6300.. this is really very bad... I hope Panasonic will improve this with the GH5

Numerous examples show that this camera has an Image Stabilization bug that renders it useless, or seriously compromised, for video. It may be fixed with a firmware update, or may not. Hopefully, it will. Please update the video section of your review.

If you read below this has been noted and addressed by OP. And the fact that diagonal panning is sticky with IBIS on does not make the whole cam useless at all. It is a great cam still, but a flaw Panny must erase in a FW update.

@Jorginho Respectfully, I disagree that this has been noted and addressed. Proper journalistic practice would have been to post this as an update, not just add it in to the review, and note the following: 1. the issue was missed by the reviewers 2. the issue was discovered in a matter of minutes by users of the camera (who are uncredited, here).Next, the review should note the exact nature of the problem, instead of a sort of approximation, and, furthermore, they should warn prospective buyers that this is a real problem that could also affect the resale value of the camera. Lastly, they did not "address" anything, the issue had already been reported elsewhere, and the review offers no solution or workaround.

One note for the reviewr regarding color, saturation, contrast, noise reduction, and whatnot of OOC JPEGS -- which is what I use all the time out of my G6 and GX7 cameras. These are easy to alter. For example, I have punched up the red a little, the saturation a bit, and the contrast, and reduced sharpening and NR, in "Standard" mode. My "Standard" pix are now a fair bit punchier although I do often sharpen them a bit, and also occasionally apply some NR, in PP.

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